TBMED298.pdf

TB MED 298

Chapter 3 15 loss/gain or adjustment to IWR in the VHR. The KM/handler documents food intake, stool consistency, vomiting, etc. and notifies veterinary personnel as necessary.

(3) Monthly medical deployment category status will be provided by the VCO to the KM. Generally, categories will not change significantly month to month; however, at a minimum, monthly updates are necessary to ensure the KM has a record of all category changes when they do occur. There is no prescribed manner/format for category status updates, but there is a template that can be used in Appendix H.

(4) Monthly kennel inspections by a 68T or VCO are optional but highly recommended, as it helps identify problems early and develop a positive relationship between kennel and veterinary service personnel.

(5) Every month, each MWD’s veterinary medical record should be opened and reviewed by a member of the supporting VTF’s veterinary care team (68T/GS Vet Tech/VCO/VMO) and updated as well as checked for accuracy. Particular attention should be paid to ensure that the deployment category and status are correct. The Animal Medicine Division at the Army Public Health Center (APHC) regularly monitors the database and compiles the data for the Quarterly Portfolio Brief regarding: Deployability status, Semiannual Physical Exam, Record Review. Common problems in MWD records include:

(a) Not reviewing electronic VHR every month.

(b) Not updating MPL and closing out items as appropriate.

(c) Not entering a reason in the “Comments” block for Category 3 or 4 status. Be brief but as specific as possible.

(d) Not entering a date in an Estimated Release Date (ERD) from Category 3.

(e) Current date is after the ERD from Category 3 date. Keep track of the estimated release date and update it as necessary. It is only estimated, so change it as the clinical situation warrants.

(f) Not having correct dates and location entered when “Deployed” button is clicked. This is primarily a problem when the MWD has been previously deployed because when the “Deployed” button is clicked, the data from the previous deployment comes up and must be changed.

(g) Entries in the “Comments” block with no date reference. All comments should be dated to aid reviewers in determining if the comment is current or not.

(h) Past due for a semiannual physical without a comment. If the database shows an MWD as past due for its semiannual physical, make a comment as to the reason.

(i) If an MWD’s deployability category changes, make the change in the database immediately. Do not wait a couple days to update the database.

(j) Verify that the MWD’s sex is correct (particularly Male-Intact and Male-Castrated) and be sure to change it if the MWD is castrated at his duty location.

(6) Check for MWDs requiring Semi-Annual Physical Exam (SAPE).

c. Quarterly Preventive Medicine Activities.

(1) Mandated quarterly activities include the completion of a Kennel Sanitary Inspection using DD Form 2342 by the responsible VCO. A signed copy of the DD Form 2342 should be provided to the KM within 72 hours of conducting the inspection with a courtesy copy provided to the MWD unit commander. Recurrent findings should be addressed with the MWD unit commander.

(2) Quarterly handler training by the VCO/68T is required as it assures timely training of handlers after initial assignment to an MWD unit as well as providing new skills and sustainment of others. It is not necessary that all handlers attend each training event as they work shifts, are deployed, on leave or TDY. However, all handlers should attend at least one training event per year with focused training (e.g. pre-deployment, needs additional training for a particular topic, etc.) provided as needed. The DODMWDVS is the proponent for all veterinary medical training of MWD handlers and they have developed the Medical Care of MWDs by Handlers: Handler Training Manual and supporting training resources. Training resources and materials are available directly on the Army Veterinary Services milSuite webpage (https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-580669) and through supporting Veterinary Clinical Specialists (64F). KM and handlers can access the training via Working Dog Management System (WDMS) by logging onto WDMS website, selecting “Library” link at top center of page, and selecting “MWD Handler Training”. Work with the KM to coordinate this type of training. The VMSB has established the state of the art Trauma FX Diesel dog or Hero dog medical trainer as the realistic MWD skills trainer which allows learners to perform critical life-saving tasks such as maintaining an airway, needle decompression, thoracocentesis, hemostasis, IV insertion, intraosseous infusion, CPR, tracheostomy, and bandaging on a simulator in addition to other procedures on an MWD. These mannequins should be used to train MWD handlers on the

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